A motorhome launched during a private event in Surrey before it went on to be revealed nationally at the NEC in Birmingham has won a top award.

The Romahome R25, based on the second generation Citroen Berlingo and launched last October, has been named small motorhome of the year by Motorcaravan and Motorhome Monthly, the UK’s best selling motorhome magazine.

“Romahome leads the small motorhome field and since introducing the Outlook and Hylo models on the Citroen C15 base vehicle in the mid 80s has consistently been getting awards for its products,” said James Saint, general manager at Freeborn Motorhomes at Guildford Road, Godalming.

“Outlook and Hylo graduated to the first Citroen Berlingo chassis and have been replaced by the R20 Hi and R20 Lo, both still on that chassis and winning awards until 2009. They now sit below the R25 in the current Romahome range of six models.

“It’s very pleasing that the new R25 won its first award so early in its life but I’m not surprised. Romahome is part of the Freeborn Group and we organised the launch event for R25 at Loseley Park, where I was privileged to sell the very first example before the national reveal at NEC soon after.

“One of the main aims of the new design was liberating interior space and this feature wowed the judges and helped sway the decision in R25’s favour.

“The new layout moves the beds forward to provide more living, kitchen, and bathroom space behind without more than a few inches being added to the overall external dimensions.

“The big thing about the R25, and the Outlook, Hy-lo and R20 models before it, is that it’s compact enough to be used as everyday transport, a role enhanced by R25’s four full seat belts.

“The current recession has not done much to dampen owners’ enthusiasm for the motorhome lifestyle – in fact at the many shows we attend there is ever more interest but owners have to be careful how they spend their money.

“Here at Freeborn Motorhomes we keep a large stock of other brands and hold dealerships for AutoTrail, Elddis, Excel, and Trigano as well as Romahome.

“I have also just bought a good selection of very low mileage late model motorhomes to meet the demand we see in Surrey. We are now the county’s major motorhome outlet and have a constant stream of customers for both new and pre-owned vehicles.

“I am conscious of the need to have a good choice of vehicles and there are now more than 40 used motorhomes on site as well as a selection of new demonstrators and special offers.”